Pagina 802 di 896

"If any one of these men, or all of these men, were disposed to

spare him--which is a large supposition; for what is his life, or

any man's to them!--I doubt if they durst spare him after the

demonstration in the court."

"And so do I. I heard the fall of the axe in that sound."

Mr. Lorry leaned his arm upon the door-post, and bowed his face

upon it.

"Don't despond," said Carton, very gently; "don't grieve. I

encouraged Doctor Manette in this idea, because I felt that it

might one day be consolatory to her. Otherwise, she might think

'his life was wantonly thrown away or wasted,' and that might

trouble her."

"Yes, yes, yes," returned Mr. Lorry, drying his eyes, "you are

right. But he will perish; there is no real hope."

"Yes. He will perish: there is no real hope," echoed Carton.

And walked with a settled step, down-stairs.

CHAPTER XII. Darkness